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Head Start California Updates
Introducing Head Start California’s New Executive Director, Melanee CottrillHead Start California is pleased to introduce Melanee Cottrill as our new Executive Director. With her exceptional qualifications, over 15 years of experience in association leadership, along with several years handling state advocacy efforts and fund development, Melanee has emerged as the perfect choice to lead our association forward.
Melanee brings a wealth of experience to her new position, having served as Executive Director of a 2,000-member statewide association, the California Association of School Psychologists (CASP). -
Head Start California Updates
HSC Board of Directors Welcomes Two New Board MembersThe HSC Board of Directors is comprised of two representatives from nine geographic Clusters as well as representatives from Migrant and Seasonal Head Start Programs and Tribal Programs. Cluster representatives serve as members of the Board of Directors for a three-year term.
Each Spring, the Board of Directors invites nominations for Cluster Representatives on a rotating schedule to ensure a healthy balance of stability and new perspectives. In 2023-24, the Board welcomes Juan Cisneros and Michelle Dove as new members. -
Head Start California Updates
Blending, Braiding and Layering with Head Start Webinar: Recording is now availableOn Tuesday, May 30, HSC had the pleasure of hosting a webinar on ways local educational agencies and Head Start programs can work together to braid, blend and layer Head Start funding. Amanda Dickey, Executive Director of Government Relations at Santa Clara County Office of Education was key in the development of the content for this presentation. She began by first defining the terms braiding, blending and layering to set the foundation for common understanding. Then,
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Head Start California Updates
Managers and Directors Institute convenes 200 Head Start leadersHead Start California extends heartfelt thanks to all the incredible individuals who graced us with their presence at the Managers and Directors Institute on May 16-18, 2023. The event was nothing short of a resounding success, and it wouldn’t have been possible without each and every one of you.
Over 250 passionate attendees, awe-inspiring speakers, and innovative exhibitors converged in Sacramento, igniting a powerful atmosphere of connection and leadership. We were truly honored to have esteemed representatives from the Region IX Office of Head Start and the National Head Start Association grace us with their wisdom. -
Head Start California Updates
2023 Annual Conference RecapHead Start California would like to congratulate the 2023 Annual Conference planning committee members for their diligent work in selecting the content for the more than 40 sessions for the 2023 Virtual Annual Conference!
This year’s planning committee included: Billiejo LaBriola, Sandra Gonzales-Pabon, Kindell Graham, and Threasa Hernandez. The conference committee provides program perspective on training needs, participates in the selection process of workshops, and identifies speakers.
Event Highlights
Monday morning we launched our on-demand pre-recorded workshops and welcomed our first live keynote, -
Head Start California Updates
Head Start Awareness Video: Take a Look!Head Start Awareness Month may be over, but we know that celebrating Head Start doesn’t end here!
As part of our efforts to increase awareness of Head Start last month, we set up a video collector to gather candid video clips from Head Start parents, staff and alumni from across California showing the amazing outcomes from Head Start. Thank you to all who participated! The clips were used to create this 2-minute video that will help us demonstrate the power of Head Start to legislators, -
Head Start California Updates
Health Institute Brings 200 Head Start staff to Newport BeachHead Start California’s Annual Health Institute was held in Newport Beach on October 24-26, and it was a pleasure to see over 200 members of the Head Start health community in person. The conference featured 20 concurrent sessions, 4 keynotes, and 3 pre-institutes around Mental Health & Wellness, Nutrition & Food Services, Safety Practices, Health Service Requirements, and Maternal & Infant Health. Our attendees also had a chance to gather at our outdoor reception and take part in networking Bingo.
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Head Start California Updates
Join the Annual CACFP Conference in Sacramento!It’s time to start planning your trip to Sacramento, CA, October 17-19, 2022, for the CACFP Roundtable’s 31st Annual CACFP Conference. Join your Head Start colleagues and CACFP community for our big return to an in-person conference. We invite you to reconnect & recharge with interactive content that meets the needs of the moment, creates space for necessary dialogue, and offers relevant training that supports the CACFP community.
To highlight just a few sessions you won’t want to miss:- CACFP Administrative Review Tips,
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Head Start California Updates
Leadership and Wellness Symposium RecapA time of inspiration, laughter, and reflection
We heard you! After two hard years of leading your programs through unprecedented times, Head Start leaders wanted a chance to gather with colleagues to refill your emotional reserves and recharge your wellness batteries. So, HSC created our first Leadership and Wellness Symposium, partnering with the Hanna Institute to offer leaders a rejuvenating experience over three days.
On June 21-23, our partners from the Hanna Institute, Erin Hawkins and Nick Dalton, -
Head Start California Updates
MDI 2022: We Are Better Together!Thank you for making our first in-person event since 2020 one for the books!
Head Start California had the pleasure of hosting our first in-person conference since the pandemic – Managers & Directors Institute! After two long years of locking down and learning through a screen, we were delighted that nearly 200 Head Start leaders joined us face-to-face! Thank you to our attendees who took the journey with us as we navigated how to meet safely in-person.
